What are the five basic tastes?

The five basic tastes are:

1. Sweet: This taste ensures we get the right amount of energy.
2. Umami: This taste ensures we get proteins, which are essential nutrients.
3. Salt: This taste helps maintain our electrolyte balance.
4. Bitter: This taste prevents the ingestion of toxic chemicals.
5. Sour: This taste likely prevents the ingestion of spoiled, acid-fermented foods.

These five tastes cover all the dietary needs of an organism, serving specific biological functions 1.